MEDIA REACTION US CANCELLATION OF BOLIVIAN

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000439

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INR/R/MR, I/GWHA, WHA, WHA/PDA, WHA/BSC,
WHA/EPSC
CDR USSOCOM FOR J-2 IAD/LAMA

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OPRC KMDR PREL MEDIA REACTION
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION US CANCELLATION OF BOLIVIAN
SENATOR ZURITA'S VISA ANTHRAX CASE IN THE US ARGENTINE
MEAT TO THE US MIDDLE EAST 02/23/06



1. SUMMARY STATEMENT

Today's major international stories include the US
canceling Bolivian Senator Zurita's visa; the
discovery of an anthrax case in New York; the US
enabling Argentine meat (except that from a province
that was affected by a recent foot-and-mouth bout) to
enter US markets; and the current rupture of ties
between Israel and the National Palestinian Authority.


2. OPINION PIECES AND KEY STORIES

- "Entry to the US is banned to Morales senator"

Daily-of-record "La Nacion" reports (02/23) "The US
cancelled the visa of Bolivian senator and coca leader
Leonilda Zurita, who is close to President Evo
Morales. This decision threatens to become a hurdle in
the bilateral relationship between the US and Bolivia
now that the two countries are discussing the terms of
the anti-drug struggle in the Andean nation.

"Washington made this decision on the grounds of
terrorist suspicions... The senator had to return from
La Paz airport when she was ready to travel to the US
on an invitation from US universities.

"It is the first incident of this kind between the two
governments since Morales took over as Bolivian
president last month amid the Bush administration's
fears over Morales' defense of coca plantations and
his close ties with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez
and Cuban President Fidel Castro.

"Alex Contreras, Morales' spokesperson, pointed out
yesterday that the government is 'assessing the
situation' and termed the affair as 'sensitive.'
'Relationships based on imposed terms or blackmail
should come to an end.'"

- "US fear due to an anthrax case"

Alberto Armendriz, New York-based correspondent for
daily-of-record "La Nacion," writes (02/23) "The
discovery of an anthrax case in New York unleashed
paranoia in the city and fear all over the country, in
which memories are still fresh of five dead and 17
infected by this bacteria five years ago.

"Nonetheless, this time authorities believe contagion
is not related to terrorist activities. The disease
was detected in a New York 44-year-old musician who
had traveled to Marble Coast last December, from where
he brought several untreated animal skins for drum
manufacturing.

"When the news was spread, radios and TV channels
issued alert and broadcast a press conference with
Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

"According to Bloomberg, 'Everything leads us to think
it is an isolated and accidental infection and a case
in which the disease was naturally transmitted,' in an
attempt to calm down the inhabitants of the city."


- "US promised not to delay the entry of (Argentine)
meat due to foot-and-mouth disease"

Ana Baron, Washington-based correspondent for leading
"Clarin," writes (02/23) "The US agreed with
Argentina's proposal to regionalize the problem posed
by the foot-and-mouth disease. This means that
Argentine meat - except meat coming from 8 Corrientes
departments, the ones affected by a recent bout - will
be able to enter US markets.

"... Argentine Agriculture Secretary Miguel Campos met
yesterday with John Benn, from the Department of
Agriculture, and Richard Crower, USTR Main Negotiator
for Agricultural Issues.

"... Campos told 'Clarin' that now Argentina has to
submit a written proposal, but, as is the case with
Europe, the proposal has already been accepted.
According to Campos, this will put the opening of US


markets to Argentine meat on a safe track again after
the problem in Corrientes.

"Campos also discussed the access of Argentine lemons
to US markets with Benn and Crowder...

"Campos agreed with Richard Crowder on the concern
over the possible failure of the crucial Doha round
negotiations.

"The royalty conflict with Monsanto Corporation was
also included in the agenda of both meetings."


3. EDITORIALS

- "Rupture between Israel and Palestine"

Leading "Clarin" editorializes (02/23) "Through the
arrival of Hamas to the Palestinian government and the
departure of PM Ariel Sharon from the Israeli
Government, Israel and the Palestinian National
Authority have entered a time that seems to be marked
by uncertainty and, again, by somber predictions.

"... Reality shows a persistent mutual lack of
acknowledgment and of a true willingness to
understand.

"... A new escalation in confrontational blows and
counterblows will only leave losers on both sides."

To see more Buenos Aires reporting, visit our
classified website at:
http://www.state.sqov.gov/p/wha/buenosaires

The Media Reaction Report reflects articles and
opinions by the cited news media and do not
necessarily reflect U.S. Embassy policy or views. The
Public Affairs Section does not independently verify
information. The report is intended for internal U.S.
Government use only.

GUTIERREZ